Dhaka: The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has taken a historic decision to replace currency notes bearing the image of the country’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Beginning June 1, new currency notes featuring images of Hindu and Buddhist temples, cultural heritage sites, and iconic artworks have been introduced into circulation.
A spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank confirmed that the redesigned currency series excludes human portraits, including that of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “The new notes highlight natural beauty, historical monuments, and celebrated artworks instead of individual figures,” the official stated. Among the new designs are illustrations of prominent religious sites and artworks by acclaimed artist Zainul Abedin.
In total, nine new currency note designs have been released as part of this transition.
The move represents a significant break from previous currency policy. Since Bangladesh’s independence from East Pakistan in 1971, the country’s notes initially featured national symbols and later, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, prominently included images of her father, Mujibur Rahman.
The change follows political developments in 2023, when widespread student protests over reservation policies led to Sheikh Hasina’s departure from the country. Although an interim government was subsequently formed, currency notes continued to feature Mujibur Rahman’s portrait until this latest revision.
The decision has drawn both attention and debate, as it marks a symbolic shift in Bangladesh’s political and cultural identity under the interim administration.